The Okpik Cold Weather Camping Training was held the weekend of February 6-7, 2015 at Camp Big Timber. This training is offered to provide a train the trainer opportunity for Scout leaders and experienced Scouts in the unique skills necessary for having successful winter camping. Meet the Participants and Staff of the 2014-15 OKPIK class as they complete their training on this marvelously snowy weekend!

Okpik (Inuit word for Snowy Owl) Cold Weather Training is offered to provide a train the trainer opportunity for Scout leaders and experienced Scouts in the unique skills necessary for having successful winter camping. Join us for the 7th Three Fires Council Course as we learn how to keep warm & safe while having fun in the out of doors. This course is 5 sessions & runs from December 2014 to mid-February 2015.

Cubscicle #3 was held at Camp Big Timber in Elgin, Illinois on Saturday, January 3, 2015. Cub Scouts & their adults enjoyed a day of rain & sleet but still had FUN in the out of doors! Photos of this fun even can be found here.

Cubscicle #2 was held at Camp Big Timber in Elgin, Illinois on Friday, January 2, 2015. Cub Scouts & their adults enjoyed sunny weather & outdoor games and crafts as they visited "The Winter Fun Fest"! Photos of this fun even can be found here.

Cubscicle # 1 was held at Camp Big Timber in Elgin on Tuesday, December 30, 2014. Cub Scouts from all over the council and their adults enjoyed fun inside & outdoors at camp as they visited "The Winter Fun Fest"! View photos of their adventures in this album.

On Saturday, November 8, 2014, around 700 Scouts & Scouters revved their engines and raced to the 2014 Training Academy - 'Scouting in Top Gear', for a day of training, fun & fellowship at Aurora East High School. Over 120 courses for adults were offered, as well as a midway display with vendors & resources, Den Chief Training, Senior Patrol Leader Training & OA Lodge Leadership Development for Scouts who wish to become trained for these positions.

The Three Fires Council Popcorn Super Saturday was held on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Batavia Public Works. Participants from all end of the council turned in their final orders, payments & paperwork, dropped of extra corn & picked up much of their final Trails End popcorn orders. District and Order of the Arrow volunteers & professionals joined together to help make this yearly council fundraiser a success.

The October 2014 Leave No Trace Trainer Course was held at Von Oven Scout Reservation on October 10-12, 2014. Participants learned how to use and teach the Leave No Trace principles, while having fun in the out of doors.

Outdoor Leader Skills Training & OLS for Webelos Leaders Training were held at Camp Big Timber in Elgin on the weekend of September 26-27, 2014. View photos of the staff & participants as they learned outdoor skills & had fun in the out of doors.

Over 100 participants and staff in 2 troops with 11 patrols completed the Thunderbird National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course at the BSA Adventure Camp in Rochelle, Illinois during the week of June 15-21, 2014. Here are photos of this week-long camping leadership program!

On Thursday, June 19, 2014 the Three Fires Council held its Annual Voting Meeting followed by the Council Recognition Dinner at the Hotel Arista at CityGate Centre in Naperville. The dinner honored our 11 Silver Beaver recipients for the class of 2013. View photos of these two events in this album.

Trailblazer Day Camp - Week #2 was held at Von Oven Scout Reservation on June 16-20, 2014. Cub Scouts and their adults, enjoyed FUN in the outdoors, while working on Scout skills. Cosmic Cubs was the theme this year at camp & it was 'Out of this World!'

Trailblazer Day Camp - Week #1 was held at Von Oven Scout Reservation on June 9-13, 2014. Cub Scouts and their adults, enjoyed FUN in the outdoors, while working on Scout skills. BBs, archery, STEM events, games, wrist rockets and an evening campfire some of the activities they enjoyed at this week of camp. Naperville's Mayor George Pradel stopped by for a visit and shared in their fun!

Trailblazer Webelos Camp was held at Von Oven Scout Reservation on June 6-7, 2014. Webelos Scouts and their adults, enjoyed great weather food & FUN in the outdoors, at this overnight camping event. BBs, archery, STEM events, games, cobblers and an evening campfire were just some of the many activities at this camp!

Scouts, their families and the general public attended STEM-O-Rama, which was held at the Kane County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 17th. This event showcased over 100 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math exhibits. Guests included Dr. Robert Ballard - National Geographic Explorer & discovered the Titanic, a representative from the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Program in the Space Technology Mission Directorate, Fermi Lab’s own Mr. Freeze & Miss Illinois who is a STEM advocate. Sponsors included Parent Petroleum, The Pride, BP, Bricks 4 Kidz, Legoland Discovery Center, Cabela's, and Colonial Café.

The Kishwaukee CUB-O -Ree was held at Camp Big Timber in Elgin on the weekend of May 2-4, 2014. Over 250 Cub Scouts, Scouts & Scouters enjoyed a great weekend of fun in the out of doors. Water bottle rockets, BBs, archery, games, crafts, the climbing tower and a pig roast, followed by a great campfire program were some of the highlights of this weekend.

The Spring Leave No Trace Trainer Course was held at Von Oven Scout Reservation in Naperville, on April 11-13, 2014. Participants learned how to use and teach the Leave No Trace principles, while having fun in the out of doors.

Outdoor Leader Skills Training & OLS for Webelos Leaders Trainings were held at Camp Big Timber in Elgin on the weekend of April 4-5, 2014. View photos of the staff & participants as they learned outdoor skills & had fun in the out of doors.

Lord Baden Powell University of Scouting has been serving Scouters in the Central Region, BSA for 25 years. View photos of Scouters sharing FUN fellowship & learning at this year's training weekend March 14-16, 2014, held at Wonderland Camp in Camp Lake, Wisconsin.

On Feb 21, 2014 the Three Fires Council held it's annual Eagle Class Recognition Banquet to honor the 2013 Eagle Class. This year's event was held at the Sheridan Hotel in Lisle. View photos of this event where over 360 Eagles were honored.

On November 9th, Scouts & Scouters appeared from all over the galaxy for a day of training, fun & fellowship at Aurora East High School. Over 150 courses for adults were offered, as well as a huge midway with vendors, displays & resources, & Den Chief Training, Senior Patrol Leader Training & OA Lodge Leadership Development for Scouts who wish to become trained for these positions. View photos of this event & see all of their out of this world FUN!

The Leave No Trace Trainer Course was held at Von Oven Scout Reservation on October 11-13, 2013. Participants learned how to use and teach the Leave No Trace principles, while having fun in the out of doors.

The Three Fires Council recognized the tradition of Scouting, the generous support from Colonial Café’s Anderson family, and honored their grandfather-Distinguished Eagle Scout, the late Joe K. Anderson by planting a tree. The Maple tree was planted as a living legacy in the Centennial Cove as a way to acknowledge the Anderson family for their continued support. Fred Norris Sr., former St. Charles Mayor, lead the group in dedicating the tree in the Three Fires Council’s Centennial Cove located at the Norris Service Center on September 10, 2012, the day after Grandparents’ Day.

This is the Three Fires Council 2011 Camporall that was held out at the Sandwich Fairgrounds in October 2011. If you have never experienced the fun of Camporall here some photos of some of the events & activities of this weekend event.

About 150 arrowmen & their guests enjoyed delicious food prepared by our OA Cook Crew, fun, awards and fellowship when the Order of the Arrow - Lowaneu Allanque Lodge #41 held its annual Winter Banquet at Bethany Lutheran Church on January 3, 2015.

The OA Fall Fellowship for Lowaneu Allanque Lodge was held at Scout Adventure Camp in Rochelle on September 12-14, 2014. Over 324 arrowmen shared cheerful service, food, fellowship & FUN. We welcome the 134 new members who did their Ordeals, along with 41 Brotherhood Conversions & 18 Vigil Honors.

On May 30-June 1, 2014, Order of the Arrow Lowaneu Allanque Lodge #41, held it's Spring Fellowship weekend at Camp Freeland Leslie near Oxford, WI. Over 220 Arrowmen, members of the R&M Committee & CFL Camp Staff gathered together to work on camp improvement projects, have fun, & share great weather & cheerful service. 88 candidates completed their Ordeal & 18 members converted to Brotherhood. Many thanks for your great service to our camp!

Delicious food prepared by our OA Cook Crew, fun & awards were just some of the agenda items, when Order of the Arrow - Lowaneu Allanque Lodge #41 held its annual Winter Banquet at Bethany Lutheran Church on January 4, 2014. Despite heavy snow & "weather", arrowmen & their guests filled the room with fellowship!

OA Fall Fellowship was held at Adventure Camp in Rochelle and shared by Lowaneu Allanque & Pachsegink Lodges on September 6-8, 2013. Around 551 arrowmen from both lodges shared cheerful service, food & fellowship. Around 220 new members did their Ordeals, along with over 73 Brotherhood Conversions & 13 Vigil Honors.

On May 31-June 2, 2013, our Order of the Arrow Lowaneu Allanque Lodge #41, held it's Spring Fellowship weekend at Camp Freeland Leslie near Oxford, WI. Over 180 Arrowmen gathered together along with members of the R&M Committee & CFL Camp Staff to work on camp projects, have some fun, & share great weather & cheerful service. 89 candidates completed their Ordeal & 11 members converted to Brotherhood. Many thanks for your great service to our camp!

On April 19-21, 2013 the 11 Lodges of Area C7 Order of the Arrow, met for fun & fellowship at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Sandwich, IL. Over 400 Arrowmen joined together for this great event, "Daring Greatly". See photos of their weekend in this album.

Food, Fun, Fellowship & Awards were just some of the agenda items, when Order of the Arrow - Lowaneu Allanque Lodge #41 held its annual Winter Banquet at Bethany Lutheran Church on January 5, 2013. Our OA Cook Crew cooked us a fabulous meal & a silent auction was also held to raise money for much needed camperships which will enable Scouts to attend camp this summer.

Camp Big Timber located near Elgin, Illinois is the home of the annual TFC Haunted Hike and used for both camping and training. Numerous improvements are being undertaken to help improve our camp, by our new CBT Service Corps. View photos of the work in progress.

Adventure Camp is an exciting joint venture between DesPlaines Valley Council & Three Fires Council which will enable Scouts of all ages to enjoy year round camping as well as providing a wonderful summer program facility for Cub Scouts.

The dedication of Lake Gladys & the Centennial Grove tree planting ceremony were held at Scout Adventure Camp in Rochelle on September 24, 2010. Three Fires Council recognized BSA 100th Anniversary supporters by planting Centennial Grove as a living legacy to the support of Scouting’s “deep roots” in strengthening youth and families. The tree planting was followed by the dedication of Lake Gladys - a million dollar project funded by donor, Richard (Dick) McCann to the Scout Adventure Camp, a joint venture between Three Fires Council in St. Charles and Des Plaines Valley Council in LaGrange, IL.

Adventure Camp is former farm land which contains several remnant plant communities which are important in our modern world. These are oak woodlands, oak hickory savanna, flood plain, and high quality wetlands. Enjoy photos of Adventure Camp plants which reside in these diverse habitats.

Located near Oxford, Wisconsin, CFL offers a variety of settings: pine forests, prairies, aspen groves & Oaks. Beautiful Lake Emrick which is maintained in it's natural state, is one of the cleanest lakes in Wisconsin. Owned since 1970, this camp is constantly undergoing many new improvements. View them as they progress.

This area operates on the waterfront at the bottom of “Heart Attack Hill” and on the shores of Lake Emrick which is one of the cleanest lakes in Wisconsin. The variety of merit badges and programs offered at Aquatics are designed to improve a Scout’s skills on and in the water. Badges include Small Boat Sailing, Lifesaving, Rowing, Canoeing, Swimming & Instructional Swim, Kayak BSA, Snorkeling BSA & Mile Swim.

Project C.O.P.E. is the exciting low and high ropes course at Camp Freeland Leslie. C.O.P.E. stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience and it aims to help both Scouts and leaders develop leadership, problem-solving, self-esteem, communication, trust, decision-making, and teamwork skills. Most importantly, though, C.O.P.E. is about having fun.

Completed in 2008, the Eagles Nest is a lofty area for Scouts to work on several Eagle required merit badges, such as Citizenship in the Nation & World, Communications & Emergency Prep. The merit badges offered in Eagles Nest are recommended for Scouts age 14 and older but are not limited to only them. Also located in Eagles Nest is our First Class Trail Program.

Ecology and Conservation, or Eco/Con, is the place Scouts learn about the natural world around them. Astronomy, Bird Study, Energy, Env. Science, Fishing, Forestry, Geology, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Nature, Reptile & Amphibian, Soil & Water, & Weather are the merit badges offered in this area. Scouts also learn the ways in which the environment can be protected and conserved.

The New Frontiers area offers a variety of hands on opportunities that enhance a Scout’s ability to be creative and resourceful. Each merit badge in this area is designed to allow a Scout to develop artistically. Merit badges include; Archeology, Art, Basketry, Cinematography, Indian Lore, Leatherwork, Painting, Photography, Radio, Sculpture, Space Exploration & Woodcarving.

The Outdoor Skills area, often referred to as Scout Craft, teaches the basic skills that every Scout should know. The merit badges in this area are designed to give Scouts confidence working outdoors. Merit Badges include Camping, Cooking, 1st Aid, Geocashing, Orienteering, Pioneering, & Wilderness Survival. Mini Golf, Human Foosball, & the Climbing Wall are also located in this area!

The Shooting Sports area offers the chance for a Scout to experience the proper way in handling and using sport firearms. Merit badges include Archery, Shotgun, Rifle Shooting & Fingerprinting. Scouts are taught the importance of safety when using a firearm and the technique of marksmanship shooting.

The Repair & Maintenance Committee works year round to improve our camp! In 2011 a new shelter at Chickamauga was built & 4 new staff cabins were completed. A new stone entry sign for the south gate was completed. Building new picnic tables, painting & fixing the staff cabanas & constructing brand new Kybos for Trenton & Appomattox are just the start of the new season for 2012. View photos of the R&M Committee hard at work & see some of the improvements!

Camp Freeland Leslie's pine forests, prairies, aspen and oak groves plus beautiful Lake Emrick, create a fantastic natural area to study diverse plant & animal life. View photos of some of the flora you may encounter while camping at CFL.